Now that we're well and firmly into September, I know I'm supposed to be turn the page on summer and start thinking about fall things like apples and cinnamon and pumpkins and caramel.
I guess I must be in a contrary mood, though, because I couldn't resist getting one last hit of summer flavours before I close this chapter for one more year.
As we speak, I'm spending my Labour Day long weekend in Rhode Island, filling up on as much of summer as I can.
I'm thinking of it as a farewell tour for summer's greatest hits. Big slices of watermelon, frosty cups of frozen lemonade, tacos by the sea shore, farmers' markets and artisan fairs, and yes... even a beach day.
Even the weather seems to be in denial. It's been delivering day after day of brilliant blue skies and intense heat that feel more like the dog days of summer than the season's last gasp. Somehow it feels like we've crammed more summer into this one long weekend than we did into the entire month of July.
Summer Strawberries and Seashells
Not quite cookies and not quite cakes, madeleines are a buttery seashell-shaped treat that's usually flavoured with nothing more than a wisp of vanilla or lemon.
But just like these last few days of summer, these strawberry lemonade madeleines go big with lots of bright lemon zest and tidbits of fresh local strawberries, as a tribute to two of my very favourite summertime flavours.
(Sadly, these are probably the last strawberries of the season... sigh.)
The madeleines are absolutely delicious on their own, with a fresh and intensely fruity flavour, and crispy buttery edges. Still, I couldn't resist upping the ante by dipping them into a brilliant pink strawberry-scented glaze. It adds both colour and sweetness for that last little bit of oomph. Because if there's anything this last long weekend deserves, it's some serious oomph!
These are best savoured in the late summer sunshine, with a big tall glass of iced tea (or a pot of hot tea, if that's more your thing... I won't judge).
There will be plenty of time to catch up with fall over a big pumpkin spice latte and some fresh-baked muffins... eventually. But first, let's just hang onto this ever-so-perfect summer (and these tasty little madeleines it inspired) just a little while longer.
More Creative Madeleine Flavours to Bake Right Now
For those of you who are ready to embrace the colder weather, these Spicy Chocolate Madeleines might be more your cup of tea (or cup of cocoa, as the case may be). And for those of you who are just craving a fun and unique twist on the madeleine, here are a few more inspired ideas that you can bake up:
- Hochija (Roasted Tea) Madeleines from Not Quite Nigella
- Eggnog Madeleines from My Kitchen Love
- Arnold Palmer Madeleines from Baking the Goods
- Parmesan-Herb Madeleines from Lemons and Anchovies
And if you're hankering for a little more lemony goodness, check out these posts from my fellow Cookie of the Month bloggers:
- Italian Lemon Drop Cookies from Jen's Favorite Cookies
- Lemon Meringue French Macarons by Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
- Lemonade Cookies by Kelli's Kitchen
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Strawberry Lemonade Madeleines
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
These buttery seashell-shaped pastries are scented with bright sunny lemon zest and sweet fresh strawberries to capture the essence of summertime in every single bite.
Ingredients
Madeleines:
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- Pinch salt
- 1 ¼ cup flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries
Strawberry Lemonade Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp strawberry puree
Instructions
- Brush the madeleine mold with melted butter, making sure to coat all the nooks and crannies of the shell shape. Lightly dust with flour and then tap off the excess. Place in the freezer to chill while you prepare the batter.
Make the Madeleine Batter:
- Using a mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, lemon zest and salt for 5 minutes, until pale yellow and thickened.
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the eggs, a little at a time, folding in as you go.
- Fold the butter into the batter, a few spoonfuls at a time. Continue folding for a few more strokes, until all the butter is incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. (The batter can rest for up to 12 hours at this point.)
Bake the Madeleines:
- Preheat the oven to 425F.
- Fold the strawberries into the chilled batter. Drop a spoonful of batter into each indentation, just enough to fill it about ¾ full (I used 2 scant tbsp for a full-sized madeleine pan). Do not spread.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edge are a pale golden brown and the middle springs back to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes.
Make the Glaze:
- While the madeleines are cooling, whisk together the icing sugar, lemon juice and strawberry puree to make a smooth glaze.
- Once the madeleines are cool enough to handle, dip them into the glaze, seashell side down. Return to the wire rack to let the glaze set up. Eat immediately (they’re best the day they’re made), or store in an uncovered container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
Lexy says
I realize that these should be eaten on the day made for best taste but I wonder if
they might freeze. I so want to make these but not sure about holding them for a lonoger period. Thanks so much.
Isabelle Boucher says
I wouldn't recommend freezing these, Lexy... I'm pretty sure the moisture from the strawberry pieces will make them soggy as they defrost.
If you really do want to prep in advance, though, you could either sub in dried strawberries (so that moisture won't be an issue) or just leave them out altogether.
Miranda @mynanaspastry says
So pretty in pink!! My girls adore madeleines and if I make pink ones they will be beside themselves.
Nici says
I fell in love with these in the preview you put on FB! I have never had madeleines, but they look delicious! I love the idea of pairing the lemon with strawberry too!
Blessings,
Nici
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
I'm clinging onto summer with a death grip! These madeleines will definitely help keep it going a little longer.
Anita says
We're just getting into Indian summer here, so I still feel all summery! These madeleines are so adorable!
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
These are gorgeous and sound delicious! I would enjoy these year round...then again I am in Florida!
Heather | girlichef says
I'm willing to hold on to summer for a little bit longer, especially if it means eating a few of these madeleines! One of these days I'll actually buy one of the madeleine pans I pick up, then put down again at the store...
Martha @ A Family Feast says
What beautiful little cookies! I think I need to invest in a madeleine pan!
Brenda@SugarfreeMom says
Love strawberries any time of year. I live in RI!! It's a fabulous place to be in the summer and fall!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
I'm all about welcoming fall. It's my favorite. However, I wouldn't mind summer hanging on a little while longer if it means I get to eat these Madeleines. They're so pretty in pink!
Lora @cakeduchess says
Your madeleines are delightful, Isabelle! I am so ready for fall and fall flavors, but am always welcoming a pop of pink. I think this would be my new favorite way to have madeleines with the lovely glaze!
The Food Hunter says
I'm so not ready for fall this is yummy!
Lana | Never Enough Thyme says
I'm still hanging on to summer here, too! I'm just not ready for cool weather and am still craving all the fresh flavors of summer. I've never made madeleines and I've always wanted to. Going out to find a madeleine pan soon so I can make your delicious version!
Tasha @thatssoyummy says
These cookies are gorgeous and such a great way to say bye to summer!
Ellen says
Could you make these free form? I don't have a madeleine form but the recipe sounds so good.
Isabelle Boucher says
Hi Ellen! You'll need to bake these in a mold, since the batter spreads quite a bit as it bakes and needs to be contained somehow.
I'd suggest using a mini-muffin pan, if you have one... you won't get those thin crispy edges that the madeleine pan creates, so they'll be more like a tea cake than a madeleine, but they'll still be plenty delicious. I've also heard some people use whoopie pie or muffin top pans, but those are harder to come by (and really, you may as well get a madeleine pan at that point!)
Marlene says
Such pretty cookies! It's nice to see a nod to the beginning of summer at the end of the season. And now, stand back and watch out for the pumpkin avalanche!
Kelli's Kitchen says
These look so delicate and pretty! I think I will make them for a baby shower I am helping to throw in about 2 weeks! Have fun in Rhode Island!